Liverpool are thought to be interested in completing the signing of Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee in the summer transfer window.
A new midfielder has to be high on the list of the Reds’ priorities at the end of the season, not least because of Alexis Mac Allister’s struggles.
It has even been claimed that Liverpool are “tempted” to accept an offer for the Argentine this summer, following a campaign that has seen him look past his best, even though he is still only 27.
According to SportsBoom [via Caught Offside], the Reds are in the mix to sign Le Fee from Sunderland in the next window, with the Frenchman valued at £35m.
Aston Villa are battling the Reds for the 26-year-old’s signature, and a new challenge at a bigger club next season could potentially sway him.
Could Enzo Le Fee excel in Liverpool’s midfield?
Le Fee is an impressive footballer, making the jump from the Championship to the Premier League with ease, with Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips outlining his influence for the Black Cats this season:
“He’s got great ability, good qualities, and he’s been a massive part of Sunderland’s success since he’s been at the football club. So how far can that take him? Who knows? He’s performing on the biggest stage in the world in the Premier League. The next big jump for him now is whether he can be recognised internationally and make that big jump.”
It is easy to see Le Fee excelling at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, bringing more energy and box-to-box ability than Mac Allister has managed since last summer, having scored four goals in the league this season, as well as averaging 2.4 tackles per game.
He is at a good age to be an instant hit, with a long-term deal only taking him into his early 30s, and the bonus is that he knows the league well now.
That said, Liverpool should still arguably be looking at a higher calibre of midfielder if they want to go up a significant gear, with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali all superior to Le Fee.